Product images of two MIDS-LVT terminals, backbone of the MIDS Link 16 network

Leading the transformation of Link 16 terminal technology

For more than 20 years, the Viasat Multifunctional Information Distribution Systems (MIDS) have formed the backbone of the Link 16 network across the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and the international coalition. The MIDS-LVT(1) is intended to support theater-level air-to-air fighter exchanges, while the MIDS-LVT(2)/(11) is designed for use in ground stations.

Anticipating the future requirements of warfighters

Through use of reprogrammable components and a modular architecture, Viasat provides a lower cost design while also allowing for flexibility of future requirements. Our terminals enable all operational modes of the Link 16 waveform, and implement the required MIDS host interfaces for both U.S. and coalition integration.

Viasat terminals implement the latest technology enhancements including Crypto Modernization, Link 16 Enhanced Throughput (LET), Concurrent Contention Receive (CCR) and Concurrent Multi Net 4
(CMN-4).

Close-up view of the front of a fighter pilot wearing flight gear in a jet

Viasat MIDS-LVT systems

  • MIDS-LVT(1) datasheet

    .pdf (313 KB)

    Download

  • MIDS-LVT(2)/(11)/(12) datasheet

    .pdf (396 KB)

    Download

Combat-proven Link 16 MIDS terminals

Together with Harris and Hensoldt, Viasat is delivering a family of combat-proven, fully qualified, and EMC-Certified Link 16 MIDS terminals to U.S. Forces and coalition partners under contracts to the Navy MIDS International Program Office (IPO) and other commercial customers. Viasat Link 16 MIDS terminals are fielded on a range of military stations and aircraft, including:

  • MIDS-LVT(1) — fielded on F-16, F/18-E/F, U-2, MH-60, UCAV, C-130, F/A-50, P-3, B-2, shipboard
  • MIDS-LVT(2) ‑— fielded on Patriot Air Defense System, FAADC2, SLAMRAAM, ADSI, JRE, F/A-18 E/F, and shipboard
Aircraft carrier at sea against a cloudy sky

Modernizing Link 16 MIDS-LVT terminals

With Block Upgrade 2 (BU2), Viasat implements advanced Link 16 functions of Enhanced Throughput (ET), Cryptographic Modernization Initiative (CMI), and Frequency Remapping (FR). BU2 capabilities ensure that MIDS-LVT terminals remain interoperable with platforms that utilize other modernized Link 16 terminals and radios, such as the MIDS JTRS, STT, and BATS-D AN/PRC-161, which are enabling new concepts of operation throughout the U.S. DoD and International Coalition. 

B-2 stealth bomber in-flight above the clouds
Gray gradient background with angles in right-hand corner

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.